Most land disturbing activities in Colorado Springs require that grading and erosion control plans be developed and submitted to the City. This page provides a summary of some of the requirements for grading and erosion control plans and the submittal and review process. Also included is a description of the process for addressing non-compliance.

Requirements for Grading and Erosion Control Plans

Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required for all but minor land disturbing activities in accordance with City Code 7.7.15 (Grading Ordinance) and 7.3.504 (Hillside Ordinance) and the City of Colorado Springs/El Paso County Drainage Criteria Manual, Chapter 4. Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required for the following:

-Any grading or construction within Hillside Areas (City Code, 7.3.504),or
-Excavation or fill > 500 CY, or
-Grading of a site with a platted acreage > 1 acre, or
-Grading on any property with a natural slope > 8%, or
-Any combination of the above three

Grading and Erosion Control Plans are required to show the grading activities to be undertaken and the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented to minimize erosion and property damage, respectively. Specific requirements for the Grading Plan are found in the Subdivision Policy Manual (SPM). The Drainage Criteria Manual (DCM) Vol I and II provide the requirements for the Erosion Control Plan. These manuals are available online by clicking Reference Materials or for a minimal fee by contacting City Office Services at (719) 385-5023.

Review Process

Grading and Erosion Control Plans are reviewed by City Staff to ensure that City Code, SPM, and DCM requirements are met. Non-Hillside Grading and Erosion Control Plans are reviewed/signed off by the Subdivision Engineering Review staff in City Engineering. Hillside Grading and Erosion Control Plans are jointly reviewed/signed off by Subdivision Engineering Review staff and Development Review staff. Individual Hillside Site/Lot Plans are reviewed/signed off by Development Review staff.

Complaint Process

If deficiencies with grading and/or erosion control are noticed in the field or reported by citizens, City Engineering Inspectors notify the contractor/owner so that the deficiencies can be corrected. Compliance with the Plan is the responsibility of the developer/owner who signs the Plan. Situations that present an immediate danger to public and/or private safety may result in enforcement action per Section 7.7.15 (Grading Plans) or 7.3.504 (Hillside Overlay) of the City Code.

State Requirements

Currently, construction activities that disturb one or more acres, or which are part of a larger master plan, are required to obtain a "Discharge of Stormwater Associated with Construction Activities" permit through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. For more information, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division at (303) 692-3500.

Training and Certification

Altitude Training Associates provides a one-day or two-day training course in Stormwater Management During Construction: Erosion and Sediment Control. This course is designed for those wanting to learn how to properly install and maintain BMPs and be certified under the Erosion Control Supervisor (ECS) Certification Program. For more information, contact Sott Olson at Altitude Training Associates. Phone: (307) 630-8110. Email: scott@altitudeta.com Website: www.altitudeta.com